Pictured above in the front row are Diane Wallach, Tiel Exchange Chair, and President Lorna. The back row has the four Tiel exchange participants.
The Program
We welcomed the four students participating in this year’s Tiel exchange – Floris van Zon, Mees Galjé, Jan Jurriën van Duijnhoven, and Lars Bosen. They shared some history of their hometown, telling us that Tiel is among the Netherland’s oldest towns, a center of trade, and is known as the City of Fruit. Like Norfolk, it is surrounded by water and has two very active Rotary Clubs with more than 40 members each.
While they had only arrived days earlier, each of the students said they were taken aback by the vast numbers of fast food restaurants and the sheer size of everything. One student in particular was determined to get a ride in a Ford Mustang before he returned home!
Among the activities the club has planned for their young guests:
- Volunteering at the Southeastern Virginia Food Bank and the SPCA
- At least two trips to the beach and a little surfing
- Tour of the naval base
- Attending a Tides game
- Shopping
- Tour of Washington DC
The Meeting
After song, pledge, and prayer, Chick Robison provided the visitation report. We learned that Jean Owens really misses attending Rotary meetings. Unable to drive, she would be grateful to any fellow Rotarians who might be able to help her join us. And while declining health prevents Bob Latimer from attending meetings, he would be happy to welcome any visitors.
Among guests, Joe New was accompanied by his wife, Barbara, and granddaughter Sierra. During announcements, we learned fellow Rotarian – and the longest standing member of our club – Bill Jonak was celebrating his 90th birthday. Barbara Lifland was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow +4. Also, members are asked to fill out the survey that was emailed to them. And finally, we bid a sad farewell to Jos Hekking who is returning home to the Netherlands.
Happy Bucks:
- Sigur Whitaker and Chuck Spence just returned from touring Europe as members of the Christ & St. Lukes Choir.
- Judge Wilcox announced an anonymous donation to the club, though he hinted as to its origin when he said that it was from someone in the club who was returning home to the Netherlands!
The Drawing
Sharon Laderberg drew the winning ticket from the drawing, but not the winning card, so the pot continues to grow.